Messi pulls Barca to eliminate Naples

A goal from corner, a penalty and a stellar manoeuvre by Messi, Barça secured its presence in the quarterfinals of the Champions. Against a fleeting Naples that succumbed in the Camp Nou (3-1). It did not shine the Catalan block, that knew to keep forces for the invite of the higher draft that waits for the next Friday in Lisbon. Hardly succeeded the Bayern if not put a march more, but in a round to single game. In this case, with Leo on the team, everything is possible.

With this intention, nobody discovers America if he says that any future of Barça in the competition depends on its excellent star. This Saturday was again evident. A few minutes of inspiration from the striker were enough to scare away any hint of a debacle.

At the same time, the fears of many culés, who viewed the duel with some suspicion. And distrust found support in a disappointing beginning. In competitions, whereas disconnection is lethal, those moments of lukewarmness must avoid.

The fortune accompanied the azulgrana equipment in the first five minutes. It marked by three approaches of the Italian picture. Mertens, Callejón and Mario Rui tried their luck, with the first post included at 90 seconds with Ter Stegen beaten.

Having overcome the initial shock, Setién’s team soon called up to get the job done. The unfortunate figures of possession and the low intensity could not have continuity. And Messi took the helm to star in the first dangerous approach. His shot ended in a corner and Lenglet’s head put the Blues ahead of Rakitic’s serve.

There was no shortage of uncertainty in a goal preceded by a slight push from the Frenchman on Demme. A 1.72-metre inside that was not exactly the best choice to defend the former Sevilla player. Especially VAR did not invalidate the action. Barça scored a corner for the first time in the Champions League since December 2017.

Any resource is useful when there is no joy or a good play, and the stopped ball served to change the dynamic of the match. Messi celebrated as a possessed the goal. It showed his tremendous motivation for a competition that remains him from 2015. He is only three games away from breaking that streak. Everything will depend on him in Lisbon, like this Saturday at the Camp Nou.

From less to more and with a very intoned De Jong as great positive news. Barça pulled Messi to solve the ballot. He scored the second after the action of pure genius, escaping from three opponents as well as e was also beating Ospina with a tight left foot (m. 23). Almost better was the 3-0 win over VAR after a beautiful assist from De Jong. The star could not believe the decision, but one image showed him touching the ball lightly with his left arm.

Enraged by this cancellation, the 10 forced the most explicit penalty in history by anticipating Koulibaly. The large centre-half is different from a kick that nearly injured Messi and allowed Suarez to take the 3-0 penalty, a magnificent result that was reduced by another unnecessary Rakitic death on Mertens as he was dying in the first half.

Conversely, beat Ter Stegen and added a hint of unease to a second half that started with much more momentum from the Italians. Napoli’s gasoline was running out, and Barça survived without a hitch. Manchu debuted in the Champions, and Riqui Puig left without playing even a minute.